Parliamentarians In Kashmir
KL Image: Bilal Bahadur
Finally, the members of the parliament of India were permitted to have 3-day Kashmir visit to review the status of the highways and assess the potential and promotion of the tourism sector and preservation of archaeological and heritage sites. The Parliamentary Standing Committee led by its Chairman and Member Parliament TG Venkatesh met representatives from tour, travel and hospitality sector representing Kashmir Chamber oF Commerce and Industry, Hotelier Club, Travel Association of Kashmir, Houseboats Association. They were briefed by officials of Culture and Tourism, Archaeological Survey of India.rThe meeting’s interesting attendee was National Conference President and MP Dr Farooq Abdullah who shared the dais with Dr Jitendra Singh. The delegation assured resolution of issues raised including frequent closure of Srinagar- Jammu highway, revival and renovation of houseboats, uninterrupted power supply to hotels, financial packages for artisans, rising unemployment graph due to the adversely affected tourism sector, need for a cap on airfare, train connectivity, promotion of tourist destinations, round the clock the functioning of Srinagar International Airport, better facilities at the airport, lifting of travel advisories, and enhancement in central government funds.
Ratle Project Gets Funds
The 850-MW Rattle Hydro Power Project was approved by the federal government with Lt Gov Manoj Sinha stating that the project was given the nod even though Pakistan issued threats to India. The project is expected to create 4000 jobs and will contribute to the overall socio-economic development of the UT. The Rs 5281.94 crore project is a joint venture between NHPC and JKSPDC. The NHPC and JKSPDC with equity contribution of 51% and 49% respectively and the project will be commissioned in 60 months. The Union Government will provide a grant of Rs 776.44 crore for an equity contribution of JKSPDC while NHPC shall invest its equity Rs 808.14 crore from its internal resources.
Helping Fire Sufferers
The snow and fire-affected victims in Srinagar have received compensation of Rs 68 lakhs from the government. The 23 structures damaged by fire involved 44 families. Apart from cash assistance of Rs 3 lakh cash each, they were 175 mattresses, 180 blankets, 200-bed sheets apart from kitchen sets and other household items. One lakh rupees each for the restoration of damaged structures, Rs 3000-4000 assistance for kitchen items, Rs 5000 cash assistance, Rs 10000-15000 each for subsistence expenses was also provided. The district administration will now be taking up the cases of these damaged structures under PMAY for the assistance of Rs 1.68 lakh each. Also, the people affected by the recent heavy snowfall in the Srinagar have been given an assistance of Rs 38.20 lakh. The assistance is meant to aid the reconstruction of damaged houses.
A New Agreement
With the unemployment rate rising in Jammu and Kashmir, the Department of Skill Development Jammu and Kashmir inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jammu to enhance skill and employment of students and staff with exposure to latest technologies. Through the MoU, the government is aiming to revamp and rejuvenate polytechnics and ITIs in collaboration with IIT Jammu by introducing new area-specific training skills keeping in view the demand of skills in forthcoming projects like tunnels, railways, power projects, cold storage/refrigeration. The students will be trained to gain employability quotient after successful completion of their courses. The Government Polytechnic College Jammu will establish a Centre for Invention Innovation Incubation and Training (CIIIT) for providing training in the latest trends in manufacturing industry conforming to industry 4.0 with the help of Tata Technology Limited Pune.
The Game Starts
Involving 8500 players and 1250 matches of Football, Hockey, Volleyball and Kabaddi, the Jammu Premier League was inaugurated last week. The mega sports event being held at KK Hakku Stadium was inaugurated by Lt Gov Manoj Sinha, who watched a Hockey exhibition match.
Industries Gets Land Rules
The Administrative Council (AC), headed by Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, approved the adoption of Jammu and Kashmir Industrial Land Allotment Policy, 2021-30 under which industrial land to the applicant will be alloted within 45 days. Under the policy, land will be allotted to the investors on lease for an initial period of 40 years, extendable to 99 years. The allotted land will be liable to be cancelled in case of failure of the investor to take effective steps within the stipulated time of 2 years, failure of the industrial unit to come into production within 3 years, violation of provisions under the lease deed, and non-cooperation of an enterprise for a period of 5 years. Further, the policy also provides renting out of 60% of the built-up area of a business enterprise for setting up an ancillary industrial enterprise through a tripartite agreement. The new policy proposes zoning of industrial areas at block/ municipality level after taking into consideration various factors including the existing level of industrial development, location of the proposed zone, and level of urbanization. The Jammu and Kashmir Industrial Land Allotment Policy, 2021-30 will also cover land allotment for health institutions/medi-cities and educational institutions/edu-cities
